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Shell Oil President to Retire

John D. Hofmeister will retire from his post effective June 1, succeeded by Marvin E. Odum, the current executive vice president for the Americas for Shell Exploration and Production.

March 17, 2008, 08:00 pm

HOUSTON -- Shell Oil Co. president John D. Hofmeister will retire from his role as president effective June 1, 2008, to comply with company policy of retirement of top executives at age 60, and will be succeeded by Marvin E. Odum, the company's current executive vice president for the Americas for Shell exploration and production, who will retain his current operational role, the company stated.

"My voice will still be heard on issues that mean very much to me," Hofmeister, 60, said in a statement. "I will continue to play an active role in helping our country find new solutions to our energy needs. I will also continue my civic work with the Urban League and Greater Houston Partnership, but with more time and capacity to make a difference. I have had a great career with Shell. It is time that I move beyond Shell to pursue important personal and business endeavors. I leave knowing that, in Marvin, there is strong leadership in place."

Hofmeister joined Shell in 1997 as director of human resources for the Shell Group, based in The Hague, and later relocated to the U.S. when he was named president of Houston-based Shell Oil on March 1, 2005.During his time as company president, Hofmeister navigated the company through Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, which impacted thousands of company employees and families, the company stated.

He also helped the public better understand the energy industry with the launch of a National Dialogue on Energy Security, which brought Hofmeister and his team of executives to all 50 states to discuss energy issues with the public.

Outside of the company, Hofmeister is chairman of the National Urban League and former chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership, according to the company.

"It is a privilege to be appointed president of Shell Oil Co. at a time when energy and environment are of critical importance to the American people," Odum said in a statement. "There is a lot of hard work ahead to deliver more affordable energy by finding and developing new resources, and making a responsible contribution to efforts to mitigate climate change. I look forward to leading the company during this important time."

Odum, 49, is responsible for Shell exploration and production businesses in the Western Hemisphere, according to the company. He joined Shell as an engineer in 1982 and has held a range of management positions in technical and commercial operations, before assuming his current position in May 2005.